Back home for a month

After 10 months I finally came home.
I came back to surprise my son on his 16th birthday. It was great, he was stunned to see me, so very happy!!!
While here, I have been shopping like crazy for things that we dont have in that third world country I live in, and forget what I've ever told you about how modern Turkey is, I was deluding myself, it still is a third world country, with a third world mentality...
I have been enjoying foods that I cant get there (mexican, italian, chinese, thai, sushi) the only food served in turkey is "turkish" which is great when you live here and never eat it, but when that's all you get, well - let's just say that if I dont eat another doner for a while, I wont be sad.

It's nice to hear everyone speaking english, and not asking me where I'm from in their chopped up english while seeing dollar signs in their eyes.
It's just nice to be back home among my own kind (never thought I'd say something like that - I always thought I was both turkish and american) The american side of me is apparently much much stronger than the turkish side. I never missed turkey like I miss the states, but then again, why would you be missing a third world country??
I am glad that I can have a whole evening without the power going off, and taking a shower without the water cutting off.
OK, so I do miss my DH and daughter, In fact I'm ready to go back, cause my longing for my little girl is so strong.
But it is absolutely WONDERFUL to be back home, and be able to go to wally world, safeway, taco bell, etc.,
another big plus about being back home? I can surf the internet at the speed of light, not spend 20 minutes just to open your home page, and an hour to check your e-mail which only takes 5 minutes here.
I'm having a mini round up with Anastatia from Vancouver and Lenjo from Mt. angel, in a couple of days, now that's something that I wouldnt have been able to do in Turkey....
I've missed all my buddies at Dave's, and posting on dave's and just surfing on Dave's - what a treat!

IT'S GREAT TO BE HOME!!!

I dont think Ive ever talked with you before pebble, where do you go when you come back to the states? I have alot of other questions too but I think they would be too personal. Glad you can take the time to shop too while your here. I couldnt imagine having to do without some of the things I can get so easily here.
Sometime in the future Im going to visit Guatamala, not sure when but will be visiting grandparent inlaws. Im thinkingit will be interesting to see how that works out for me, especialy seeing all the poor children and have them coming up to beg from us. I told DH hes going to have to carry all the money or we will be broke before we get out of the airport.LOL.

I come home to the portland/vancouver area. My sister lives in Vancouver, and I have lived in portland for 15 years or so, and vancouver for the past 8 yrs.
It has been one shopping frezy since I came, I mean the first day I went to walmart and loaded up on stuff that I've already packed, and have been shopping non stop since. I feel like I get a high after each shopping excursion. I think if I lived here and shopped like this normally I would be in trouble.
Guatemala should be fun, but yes, in most countries the poverty is right there in front of you, much more evident that in this country.

Thanks, Pebble, you have reminded us of things we take for granted. My thankfulness and gratitude goes up another level!
farizona

Farizona, nice to see you :) how have you been?
I didnt want to get on my soap box and spew my patriotic thoughts, let's just say: there is only ONE country in the world that is number ONE. there is only One country in the world that gives you all the freedoms we have.
I had to erase a couple of paragraphs cause I tend to get carried away....
Once an American always an American. and proud to be an American!

Pebble, glad to "see" ya! (And glad to hear you're enjoying your stateside visit ;o)

I agree we probably do take a LOT for granted - perhaps we should all take a trip to another country every now and then - just to remind ourselves of all the conveniences and freedoms we have here...

Yes Terry, I agree. I'm hoping to join in the chat this week, it is still on tuesday evenings I hope.

Remember, it's also good to see countries where some things are better than at home..

Hello Evert, yes, it is nice to see other countries, but you always know you will be coming home. Sometimes I wondered if I would be coming home, or when. So I am trying to enjoy my visit in case I dont come home for a while.

What a great thread...glad to hear you are Home for a while and appreciating this part of life on this side of the World.

Nice of you to share your thoughts and experiences, Pebble!

Thanks!

Pebble, what are the chances of you and your family moving back to the States one day?

It's great to see your post and I hope that you will have a wonderful roundup.

Pebble so glad you are home and having such a good time shopping. I bet your son was thrilled. So you taking all these goodies back with you on the plane or mailing them? Was just curious how many suitcases you would have to have. lol

Pebble-WOW! I can hear how excited and happy you are to be "home" again. It wonderful that you and your son were able to share your sons birthday. Sounds like your having a great time!
I cant even imagine how it is there in a third world country and not having all the pleasures we take as ever day life.
Im really glad your back and having fun and getting together with davesgardeners-FUN FUN :)
How long do you get to visit-I know you are missing your other babies. ;)
WELCOME HOME!
dori

Hi, Pebble! Gosh it's good to see you. And you don't need an "interpreter" to get your posts to display correctly, LOL!

lol GW - funny that one! yeah, great to have a normal key board.

Well, Alex took his written drivers test today and got a 100%
we were so happy and proud of him!

I'm going to go pop in to the chat real quick and see what kind of trouble I can cause - lol

thanks all for your nice comments and support throughtout this whole thing!

If Gwist hadn't pointed me to this forum I would have missed your homecoming Pebble but..not really since it was such a lovely surprise to speak with you again after all this time.

That is just marvelous news about Alex and no wonder you are so proud of him. Boy...he sure has matured and become very confident!! Congratulations Alex!!!!

Thanks Marge! he still has to do the actual drive test next week - im a nervous wreck - I have to teach him parallel parking by tuesday.